Bøker av Kiri Bloom Walden

The fascinating story of the entertainment used to keep up the troops'' spirits in the Second World War.This book explores the foundation of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) and also the home-grown entertainments put on by members of the military services in all theatres of war during the Second World War. ENSA ensured that troops were visited by big bands, ballet stars, Shakespearian actors and the most famous popular entertainers of the day. And the forces were resourceful too when it came to putting on their own shows when ENSA couldn''t come, with pantomimes and plays written and performed by POWs being a prime example. Many of Britain''s biggest stars cut their teeth performing on makeshift stages to homesick soldiers, sailors and airmen and women during the war years. Famous individuals who feature are Laurence Olivier, Gracie Fields, George Formby, Al Bowlly, Vera Lynn, Ninette de Valois and members of The Goons.

The British film industry was already well established when Hollywood sprang to life in 1911, and has remained at the forefront of film-making ever since. This title tells the century-long story of British film, illustrating it with colourful photographs of actors, directors and production staff at work.